Hume and Hovell Explorers v. Eccentrics, Nov 29th 2009
“The Eccentrics vs Explorers 10th anniversary match at Strath Ck was played for the “Don McQueen Cup” for the first time.
The increased prestige of the clash saw a tight tussle decided in the second-last over of the day, after just about all players had batted and bowled.
The ground was in great nick, and despite the loss of the Eccentricitree to last summer’s bushfires, the surrounds were also in picture postcard condition. Don and Anne, and their lovely daughters Gretchen and Marnie, were once again very hospitable hosts.
Highlights for the Eccentrics included:
- Skipper Angus Lester’s captaincy (and bowling) in the clinches, albeit after losing the toss, consigning his team to an afternoon in the field after several slices of chocolate cheesecake and pavlova for lunch
- - 35 retired for Ben Crockford (who set a cracking pace from the opening ball), Angus Lester and John Forwood.
- - Stew Carter’s twinkle-toed effort in sending down several crucial overs in a pair of ten pin bowling shoes.
- - Jack Ryan’s game-changing leaping catch in the dying overs at backward point
- - Paul ‘Picnic’ Holden’s performance behind the stumps, including a very neat stumping.
- - The Explorer’s wicket-keeper’s calling as a batsman – his call of “Wait!” as he struck a straight six was probably heard in Broadford.
In the end analysis, The Eccentrics’ 7/197 off 40 overs proved to be a winning score, with the Explorers finishing with 185 all out after their top scorer was run-out in the second last over from Ben Crockford.
The Eccentrics now lead 7-3 overall in games with the Explorers. Next year’s clash will be on Sunday November 28, 2010.
Eccentrics v. City XI, Nov 15th 2009
Unfortunately, the Eccentrics were not able to defeat the City XI on a warm Sunday at Olney. They passed our 157 with about 5 overs to spare, despite what was a very good performance with the ball and in the field. We just didn’t get enough runs, against a rusty bowling attack from City, and they had some nice clean hitters and 4 guys who retired.
The opposition voted best player for us as Doc Jennens, who was the tidiest ever seen behind the stumps (particularly down the leg side), possibly due to all that juggling practice he has been doing. Doc completed a nice stumping (off the skipper’s bowling) and, not only did he contribute a nicely compiled 23 with the bat, but also recruited two key players Gary and David. They both rolled their arms over pretty handily and ran around in the field like spring chickens. The rest of the votes were split as follows:
1. Doc Jennens
2. Dave Kerley (35 ret) and Harris Rehana (great first change spell with the ball, really tight and if it hadn’t been for some poor captaincy in removing the first slip at an inopportune moment……)
3. Chris Tehan (good opening spell and even came back on at the end to scatter some stumps)
Thanks to all the late stand-ins. The City XI were are interested in another fixture next year.”
John Forwood (captain)
Eccentrics v John Kellett XI, Oct 25th 2009
The Eccentrics took on the John Kellett XI at H H Olney Oval on October 25th in the season’s first Social Match.
The other mob had a pretty good top order – scores of 33, 49no, 35 and 36 – and whilst the rest were dismissed cheaply, the run chase amounted to 187. In terms of nowling our better perfromers were Danny Gleeson 2/17 off 4 and Harris Rahana 2/30 off 6.
Our star batsmen, Tim Mummery and Ben Crockford opened the innings and each managed a duck which put a fair bit of pressure on the middle order not to mention the tail !! Danny Gleeson (36no), Danny Ryan (26) and Harris Rahana (29) fought hard as did Doc Jennings with 18 at the death but we fell 44 runs short.
It was decided post-match that this would be an annual fixture.
A player raffle on the day raised $100 for the McGrath Foundation Breast Cancer Research Project (a donation matched by our community partner, the Rotary Club of Fitzroy).
Eccentrics Player of the Match : Danny Gleeson
By Peter Hille (c)